Apple is preparing to launch a new smart home strategy at its “Welcome home” event on October 13, centered on a device called HomeView that aims to fill a longstanding gap in its product ecosystem, according to Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman. Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman reported that HomeView will serve as a Siri-powered command center for homes built around Apple devices. The hub pairs a display with an A18 chip and is designed primarily for voice control, with touch input supported on the screen. It will run a limited set of Apple apps and will not include an App Store, with Apple instead directing users toward Siri, the Home app, and connected accessories for control. The device is expected in two versions. The countertop model features a metal speaker base and will be offered in space gray, silver, starlight, and pink; Gurman indicated it should deliver better sound quality than the refreshed HomePod mini. A wall-mounted version uses a flat, square base and will be limited to space gray and silver. HomeView is currently planned to ship around mid-November, roughly a month after the October 13 unveiling. Alongside the hub, Apple is expected to introduce an updated HomePod mini powered by the S10 chip and a new Apple TV set-top box using the A19 chip. Those two products are on track to reach customers and Apple stores on October 30, with preorders expected to open this week, Gurman said. The broader push also includes partnerships for accessories sold under an “Apple Home Collection” banner. These encompass products codeveloped with LG Electronics, such as a smart doorbell, deadbolt lock, thermostat, temperature sensor, indoor and outdoor security cameras, and a floodlight camera, as well as items developed with Schneider Electric for the European market. Gurman has described the overall effort as an attempt to make the home a more meaningful part of Apple’s lineup and reduce the likelihood that customers leave the ecosystem. Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon. The post Apple to unveil HomeView Smart Home Hub on October 13th appeared first on MacDailyNews. You're currently a free subscriber to MacDailyNews. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment